DCU Comic Book Reviews

NIGHTWING #146

Freefall, Conclusion

September 2008

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Pencils by Don Kramer

Inks by Sandu Florea

Cover by Rags Morales and Michael Bair

Synopsis

In the Hudson River, Nightwing searches for the hidden lair of Dr. Kendall Creighton.  However, Talia reaches the entrance before him.  She finds Creighton to demand an update; he tells her he has not found a way to slow down the aging process of the babies delivered by the Mother of Champions.  When Talia learns what Creighton does to the babies, she demands he stop.  He refuses and orders his winged army to kidnap her.  Just then Nightwing arrives to free her.  The two decide to join together to save the babies.  Nightwing fights Creighton and defeats him.  Afterwards, Nightwing drops the Mother of Champions at the China consulate.  Later, Nightwing discuss with Superman the need to protect the grave sites for both heroes and villains to avoid a repeat of what Creighton had done.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

Is it just me or did the ending to this story come out of the blue?  I was not expecting a conclusion so swiftly and, frankly, so decisively.  I mean Creighton is dead, so it is doubtful we will see him return at some point (well, okay, he appeared in a story in which the dead came back to life, so I suppose what I just said is a little stupid, but you get my point).  It seemed like Tomasi was doing a slow burn with this story, letting it develop over time while focusing the individual issues on Nightwing and Dick Grayson in character-driven stories.  So it was surprising to see what happens here.  Having said that, I enjoyed the ending and except for one minor, seems to fit in nicely with the rest of the story.  I add that caveat because I firmly believe that the ending came about because of the Batman RIP storyline and the fact that this book will tie into the story.  So, Tomasi was forced to end his own story so he can prepare for whatever status quo will come out of Morrison’s opus. 

The one exception I mentioned earlier is the death of Kendall Creighton.  I liked the way Nightwing took him down, with a little mixture of brawn and brains.  Except that it killed him.  One could argue that Nightwing’s intent was not to kill, but I think Nightwing is smart enough to understand what would happen when Creighton hit the water.  Ultimately, it feels out of character and very unlike anyone in the bat family. 

I also have to quibble with Creighton’s sudden conversion from decrepit old man to buff young stud.  The story doesn’t bother to explain; the art just kinda shows a different-looking person. 

 

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